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Blue Cross appoints ‘Ben the Vet’ as new ambassador
'Ben the Vet' will promote the charity's work and best practice pet welfare. 

Dr Ben Simpson-Vernon will use his social media platform to highlight the charity’s work.

Practising vet and social media influencer Dr Ben Simpson-Vernon has been named a new ambassador for Blue Cross.

Ben, who has amassed thousands of followers through his TikTok channel, ‘Ben the Vet’, will promote the charity’s work and best practice pet welfare.

An ardent supporter of the Blue Cross, Ben’s videos on pet health and welfare focus on inherited health problems in pedigree dog and cat breeds.

He recently visited the charity to see how it is working to keep pets and their owners together during times of financial hardship.

Commenting on his appointment, Ben said: “I am delighted to become a Blue Cross Ambassador. I've been a supporter of the charity's work for a number of years, and I'm looking forward to championing the vital work they do in helping pets and their people every single day.”

Ben is a graduate of Cambridge University and works for the Goddard Veterinary Group in Essex. He joins fellow Blue Cross Ambassadors naturalist Chris Packham, actress Pam Ferris and Olympic equestrian Mary King.

Blue Cross chief vet Dr Paul Manktelow said: "We're delighted to welcome Ben as our latest Ambassador. His experience as a vet means he sees first-hand the struggles many pet owners face and understands the importance of affordable veterinary care.

“Ben will be a powerful advocate for the work we do – from finding homeless pets their forever homes, to helping to keep pets and their people together.”

Image (C) Blue Cross. 

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.